One of the best things about traveling is that you get to try new foods. Yes, experiencing new cultures and seeing famous places is wonderful! But there is nothing quite like trying new foods and new restaurants. In order to find the best food, you have to eat where the locals eat. But, where do the locals eat in Boston?
For this post, I’m going to divide the Boston area into neighborhoods and discuss restaurants. One of the greatest reasons to visit Boston is the variety of places to eat. I aim to offer a variety of price points and cuisine types. I will also say that there are some of our favorite places to eat!
Where do Locals eat in North End (AKA Little Italy)
Panza Restaurant
This Italian restaurant is the quintessential tiny North End Restaurant. Highly recommend getting a reservation because there just aren’t many tables available. They are open for dinner and lunch! The top two things are the Lobster Ravioli and Butternut Squash Ravioli followed by the gnocchi. Main plates will run you between $19-$31 per plate.
Benventos Restaurant
Looks may be deceiving with this place because it’s across the street from a restaurant that has a line out the door starting at 5 pm. HOWEVER that doesn’t mean they don’t have a wait of their own. Luckily, it is a larger restaurant so they have more seating. I still recommend getting a reservation here as well. My favorites here are the chicken parmigiana and chicken Marsala. You’re looking at a range of $18-$33 per main plate.
Monica’s Mercato & Salumeria
For a great on-the-go sandwich you’ll want to pop into Monica’s Mercato & Salumeria. This is a small grocery type of store that includes a lot of pre-made food and sandwiches. Go for the soups in winter and the sandwiches in summer! I personally love a good meatball sub and caprese panini. The sandwiches are about $15-$18 each. But they are hefty which makes it worthwhile.
Vinoteca di Monica
Next door to Monica’s Pasta shop (a must-stop for fresh pasta) is this wonderful restaurant. For this restaurant, I would say go for brunch. They have a really fun take on an Italian-style brunch menu. Get the Panettone French Toast or the Bruschetta con Uovo e Prosciutto and then come back to thank me! You’ll be spending $12-$29 per plate for brunch.
Ernesto’s Pizza
For pizza by the slice, this is the place to go! You will likely need to eat on the go because there isn’t much in the way of seating there. Try something new here and go out of your comfort zone for your pizza slice!
Desserts
There are delicious desserts around every corner in North End. You basically can’t go wrong. Mike’s Pastry is the most well-known, but I would not say it’s the best one. Hit up Bova’s for the best pastries (get a Florentine cannoli in my honor). On a warm day hit up Dolce down the street from Mike’s Pastry for some authentic gelato.
This is also a great start to our Donut Tour of Boston. Check out the tour here!
Where do Locals Eat in East Boston?
Oliveiras Restaurant
An all-you-can-eat Brazilian Buffet. It’s like a Brazilian steakhouse, but you get up to get food instead of it coming to you. Since it’s all you can eat you can really get a lot for your money. You can also order a plate if you don’t like going to a buffet. The main dishes are $18-$40 each. Try your best to save room for dessert which I know will be super hard! While their meats are delicious, their desserts are must-eat.
Mi Pueblito
East Boston is known for all its South American foods. This little place has some great Mexican food and some large margaritas! They have specials, lunch, breakfast, and dinner options. The nachos are very good. I also nearly always get the Flautas or Burrito adobada. Additionally, leave room for dessert for some flan or tres leches. The main dishes are $12-$29 each.
Seabiscuit
These Australian hand pies are incredible! The atmosphere is fun and you get to sit right on the bay to enjoy your food and good company. Whatever you do, do yourself a favor and get the potato wedges! Something about the chili sauce, the sour cream, and the potato combination make them completely addicting.
For your first time visiting, stick to a hand pie. You can try the mains another time because it’s not common to find Australian pies. I loved trying the flavor of the month. The main dishes are $6-$18 each.
Downeast Cider
Boston locals favor going to breweries. So while this isn’t technically a restaurant, it is a very popular brewery. Boston has a lot of breweries and there isn’t a more iconic one than Downeast Cider. Additionally, this brewery has tours and tastings. It’s also on the water which really makes it a full experience.
Dirty Water Dough
Although the name doesn’t sound appealing it does have a cool history. If you can ignore the name and just go for the pizza you’ll find out why this is a local favorite in East Boston. You’ll get some delicious thin-crust pizza. We got the steak n’ cola pizza which was fun and different. Finally, this pizzeria is known for its fun flavors of pizza and the unique crust comes from the “dirty water.”
Where do Locals Eat in Downtown Boston?
Boston Public Market
This is such a fun place! There are a bunch of vendors with a wide variety of food and goodies from local farmers. Try the fresh apple cider donuts from Red Apple Farm. Get some warm popovers from The Popover Lady. Finally sip on coffee, beer, or noodles. Additionally, get some grocery shopping in with all the fresh produce.
Tradesman Coffee & Lounge
This cool coffee spot boasts a variety of lunch and breakfast items. As great as the sandwiches are you should definitely go for the baked goods. The croissants and coffees are the way to go! I personally love the chocolate one, but then again I’ll pick chocolate for everything.
Saus
I love this place! It’s a great lunch spot or perfect for a quick meal before heading to TD Garden (another local favorite place in Boston!). You can make your own poutine or get some sandwiches. Finally, there are plenty of sauces to choose from. Prices are $5-$13 per plate.
Bostonia Public House
If you find yourself in the downtown/financial district looking for a fun environment and some fresh seafood, this is the place for you! There’s a raw bar and other seafood-based meals. However this restaurant is on the most expensive end. It is about $35 a plate.
Kane’s Donuts
These are Boston’s favorite donuts. There are many delicious donuts in Boston (we would know we did a Boston Donut Tour) but this is a fan favorite of many! There are two additional locations in Saugus. Kane’s Donuts downtown location is the only one accessible to people living in Boston without a car.
Where do Locals Eat in Boston’s Seaport?
Gather
This is a fresh, modern American restaurant. The vibe inside is cool and fresh which is reflected in the food. Feel free to get a delicious cocktail while you peruse the menu for your meal. Since you’re in the seaport eat outside on a nice warm day. I personally liked the Spicy Chicken Sausage Flatbread. The plates will run you $17-$36 each.
Taiyaki NYC
Yes, this is a chain from NYC, but it’s so fun to get the ice cream! They have fun flavors and it comes in a fish cone. Its a great treat with the little fish cones and unicorn decorations.
Committee Boston
Mediterranean cuisine is a personal favorite of mine, you’ll find a lot of Mediterranean restaurants in this list. While in Seaport this is one of two great Greek restaurants. The plates are $16-$22 each. There is a good variety and I do recommend getting plates to share!
Check out more things to do in Southie!
Aceituna Grill
I personally love Greek food. So for a more “make your own” Greek experience head to Aceituna Grill. It uses the Chipotle-style of selecting your own base and adding toppings. Definitely, a must-try if you’re in a hurry. Additionally it is great for pickier eaters since you can select what you do or do not like.
Where do Locals Eat in Back Bay?
Sonsie
Back Bay is known for its great shopping and lots of restaurants. Up and down the steps you will find nooks to find great food and a great atmosphere. So in the midst of your shopping pop into Sonsie for a great brunch! It has many options for just about everyone. Finally, given it’s location it is a little more expensive. You’ll find plates for $17-$36.
Stephanie’s On Newbury
Another great brunch spot on Newbury. You will need a reservation most of the time. The Eggs Benedict, Skillet Breakfast, or Breakfast Burgers are the best. It is more reasonably priced since you’re looking at about $16-$18 for most plates.
Joe’s On Newbury
This is Stephanie’s on Newbury’s brother restaurant. This one however is definitely more of a dinner place where Stephanie is the place to go for brunch! I love the French Dip but then again I order it at like all restaurants possible.
The Friendly Toast
This breakfast/brunch place is found in multiple places in New England. You really can’t go wrong with many of their fun brunch options. They have Chicken & Waffles, a Hash Quiche, and of course a lot of Bennys. Additionally, The Friendly Toast has huge portions and very reasonable prices.
Where do Locals Eat in Brighton?
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese
I love a good grilled cheese and this place has all of them! They are incredibly creative with all the different grilled cheeses. Plus they have a fun arcade speakeasy type of situation. Go for the Hot Honey Bacon grilled cheese!
Lulus Allston
The brunch menu is large and in charge at Lulus. This is a great place to sit outside, enjoy the weather and spend time with friends. They also have really fun cocktails if you’re into that! The plates are $11-$17 each.
Cafenation
If you need a cool place to relax, kick back, and have a coffee and cookie this is the place for you! Boston is full of coffee shops. This is one of my favorite things about the city. So it’s hard to find the best one with all these options. The atmosphere here is fun and relaxed. They offer breakfast and lunch as well as baked goods.
Athan’s
For your own little slice of Europe in Boston, head to Athan’s. This bakery is sleek and modern with European charm. They offer a wide selection of tarts, baklava, pastries, cookies, and even gelato! Of course, they also have coffee and lunch. Additionally, it is a great place to settle in for some computer work. Finally, the hot chocolate in winter is one of my favorite drinks.
Where do Locals Eat in Boston’s Chinatown?
Gourmet Dumpling House
Prepare to eat your weight in dumplings! Also, get the scallion pancake. That’s all. While the menu might seem overwhelming, head to the dumpling section and get a variety. Finally ensure you get there early or you might be stuck waiting in line. In Chinatown where you have all the best dumpling places this one definitely stands out.
Double Chin Restaurant
I’m going to be fully honest, they have the best dessert. Yes, the food is good, but if you eat elsewhere then come for dessert! This is a great spot to bring guests for an outrageously large and delicious dessert.
Happy Lamb Hotpot
The first time I went to a hotpot was for my friend’s birthday. It was so fun and delicious! Hot Pot is a little like fondue where you can cook at the table. First you order a variety of meats, noodles, and vegetables then you get to cook them in a broth at your table. You can have a regular broth, spicy broth, or both!
Additional Local Favorites in Multiple Neighborhoods
Flour Bakery + Cafe
They have a wide variety of pastries, coffees, and warm sandwiches. Get yourself a sandwich and cookie for dessert! It’s a fabulous lunchtime spot. Additionally, they have locations in Beacon Hill, Seaport, Hynes Convention Center, Harvard, South End, and Back Bay.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
I am OBSESSED with this place. Get the Jerusalem Bagel. Also, get the kouign amann (said queen aman). The tomato tartine and the prosciutto & egg tartine are incredible! But really you can’t go wrong with any of the food or the baked goods. Of course, they also offer coffee. But the food is significantly better than the coffee, other places have better coffee.
GRECO
Again, I love Greek food. This place is a great additional place to get great Greek food! Get yourself a Gyro and maybe a baklava. They have locations in Back Bay, Downtown, Seaport, and TD Garden.
Tasty Burger
Exactly what the name says, this is a burger joint! There’s one right outside Fenway park which is the ideal location before a game. There are a couple throughout Boston. Definitely a great place to grab a burger. The BBQ Burger or the Patty Melt is my favorite. You’re looking at about $8.25 per burger. Also, save space for a milkshake.
Saloniki
Another Greek restaurant you can find in a couple of different neighborhoods in Boston. Check it out in Fenway, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Harvard, and MIT/Central. Like some other places it is also a Chipotle-style restaurant but with Greek food!
Other Restaurants
There are so many neighborhoods in Boston and I wanted to stick to the highlights so here I’ll share the ones that aren’t specific to a neighborhood or are in a neighborhood in which I don’t have much else to share about.
Time Out
Food halls are all the rage these days and this one is no exception. Finally, you will not find these restaurants anywhere other than in Time Out. It is special in its unique menus. They also have two bars. So when you’re in Fenway, check it out!
Toro
This is a great tapas place. Bring some friends, and then get a ton of plates. It lets you try a little of everything. Here are my recommendations: Pan con Tomate, Croquetas de Bacalao, Patatas Bravas, Tortilla Española, and Empanada.
So Now We Know Where the Locals Eat in Boston!
Figuring out where the locals eat in different places, like Boston, can be really hard! Hopefully, you now get a sense of the diversity of food available in Boston and the sheer amount of great restaurants! Finally, you can choose which places you want to visit given the neighborhoods you’ll be visiting.
If you’re looking to get out of Boston and explore some nearby locations, here is our list of the 30 Best Road Trips From Boston.
Let me know if you try any of these out!
